I had 48 spoke wheels on my first MkII, years ago when it was only about 10
yrs old. I'd say that they'd seen some action, as had the rest of the car.
(In (Much)worse order then than my current one is now!). The wheels were not
good. I had the car in Dublin (S.Ireland), where there was then a very high
duty on imported parts. I was a student on a limited budget, so a 3000 was a
daft choice of a car. The spokes creaked and groaned on one particular wheel
which eventually collapsed - slowly and rather gracefully, thus safely -
before I raised the money to get it fixed. My conclusion at the time was
that they were the weakest link in my system.
I have 60 spokes now and wouldn't go back to 48s ever.
Simon
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-healeys@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-healeys@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Bluechipracing
Sent: 14 March 2005 13:46
To: healeys@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Wire wheels.
I think 48 spoke wheels are getting a bad rap. I ran the original 48 spoke
wheels (with radial tires BTW) on my BN1 from 1976 through about 1996. Also
ran old 48's on my BN7 for a few years before I replaced them with
chrome/stainless Dayton 60's. Never had a problem with any of the
48's...lots of miles and some intense autocrossing.
All big healeys through early BJ7 came with the 48's.
On the other hand, I know other folks have had problems with 48's and unless
you really like the looks of them, or are going for absolute original, I
would replace them with 72's when the time comes for new wheels.
Jim
----- Original Message -----
From: <RAHosmer@aol.com>
To: <bn1@pacbell.net>; <healeys@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2005 1:38 AM
Subject: Re: Wire wheels.
> In a message dated 3/13/05 5:48:45 PM, bn1@pacbell.net writes:
>
> << Thirty years ago when I was foolish enough to run around on 48's >>
>
> Now, I'm a bit concerned. Are 48-spoke wires (the original ones from new -
> trued about 5000 miles ago and nothing loose/broken) now considered
> "dangerous"? I do not push my car, and will not until I have a LOT more
> miles on my "out
> of nearly 30 year hibernation" refamiliarization with the car.
>
> Dick Hosmer
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